New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown highlighted his team’s defensive adjustments after Monday’s 113-100 road victory against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center.
Brown noted, “In the first half we probably fouled too much…we did a better job in the second half…our guys did a good job.”
The coach praised Karl-Anthony Towns for his dominant inside presence, saying, “He just…could see his comfort level is starting to get there…great game by KAT picking his spots to drive it, to shoot it, to spray it.” Towns scored 37 points and grabbed 12 rebounds while shooting 14-of-20 from the floor.
The coach also emphasized the Knicks’ rebounding strength. “Both Josh and KAT were monsters on the glass…every rebound was big for us,” Brown said, pointing to Josh Hart’s key defensive contributions and 12 rebounds. New York limited Brooklyn to five offensive rebounds in the second half.
Brown highlighted his team’s defensive intensity, adding, “We were active defensively, we had 22 deflections…giving up 28 paint points, that’s a pretty good defensive game.” He noted that limiting transition opportunities and controlling fouls were central to securing the win.
Jalen Brunson contributed 27 points, and Mikal Bridges added 16, helping New York maintain balance on offense. Brown praised their spacing and ball movement, noting 28 assists on 45 field goals with only eight turnovers.
Brown also reflected on leadership and accountability. “Having a guy like that [Hart] as a leader…taking accountability knowing we could play better on that end of the floor,” he said, stressing the role of veteran presence in maintaining intensity.
Despite missing Landry Shamet, the Knicks executed efficiently, shooting 51% from the field while controlling the paint and perimeter. Brooklyn, led by Noah Clowney’s career-high 31 points, struggled to keep pace and fell to 0-8 at home.
The Knicks improved to 10-6 overall and will face Charlotte on Wednesday, while Brooklyn hosts Philadelphia in search of its first win at Barclays Center this season.
